Britain’s Diplomatic Missteps: Lammy’s Increasingly Troubling Foreign Policy

[Social Media]

 

Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s recent actions have not only strained relations with Israel but have also managed to upset the United States, Britain's most crucial ally. Suspending certain arms export licenses to Israel has been seen as a glaring example of incompetence, and his handling of the situation signals that Lammy could be turning into a serious liability for the British government. 

 

Lammy’s conduct was already under scrutiny before Labour’s sweeping electoral victory, with speculation that Keir Starmer might choose a more reliable figure, like Douglas Alexander or Peter Mandelson, for the critical role of Foreign Secretary. Lammy’s previous comments, including calling former US President Donald Trump a “neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath,” his historical opposition to the UK’s nuclear deterrent, and his disdain for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggest that he might be damaging Britain’s global standing rather than enhancing it.

 

One of Lammy’s first acts as Foreign Secretary was to withdraw Britain’s objection to the International Criminal Court’s request for an arrest warrant against Netanyahu. This move led to Netanyahu refusing to meet Lammy during his recent visit to Jerusalem, further complicating relations. Britain and Israel share strategic ties, especially in countering major security threats like Iran’s nuclear program. By failing to oppose the potential criminal prosecution of an ally, Lammy’s actions are not just shortsighted; they jeopardize Britain’s own national security.

 

Starmer’s decision to retain Lammy in such a significant position could risk turning his administration into a laughing stock. This is particularly true given the backlash over Lammy’s suspension of certain arms exports to Israel, a move Netanyahu condemned as “shameful.” Although this decision will have minimal impact on Israel’s military capabilities due to the relatively modest nature of the UK-Israel arms trade, it still sends a troubling message.

 

What’s more concerning is the friction this has caused with the US. The Biden administration has openly disagreed with Britain’s justification for suspending arms licenses, noting that their review of Israel’s military conduct found no violations of international humanitarian law. Such disagreements with the US threaten the vital “special relationship” between the two nations, which is central to Britain’s national security. In the face of significant global threats like Iran and Russia, it’s crucial for close allies to present a united front; public disputes can be perceived as a sign of weakness by adversaries.

 

Lammy’s decision to act against Israel on the same day the nation mourned another attack by Iranian-backed terrorists sends the wrong signal, suggesting that the UK might not fully support Tel Aviv’s right to self-defense. This perceived indifference comes as Israel battles Iranian-backed forces on multiple fronts, including Gaza, southern Lebanon, and Yemen. At the same time, the UK’s commitment to Ukraine appears to be faltering. Although Ukrainian forces have recently seen success on the battlefield, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized Starmer for slowing down arms supplies to Kyiv, which the Kremlin could interpret as waning Western resolve.

 

The sense that Britain under Labour is retreating from its international commitments is reinforced by warnings that Starmer’s government does not intend to fulfill its promise to bolster the UK’s defense capabilities. During the election, Labour assured voters that defense spending would rise to at least 2.5% of GDP, but in reality, Defence Secretary John Healey has since indicated that the Ministry of Defence will face cuts under Labour’s new austerity measures. This shift could have serious implications for Britain’s standing among its allies.

 

Starmer’s credibility is now on the line, especially in Washington. In his first major international speech at NATO’s 75th anniversary celebrations, Starmer urged member states to meet the UK’s 2.5% defense spending target. Yet with Labour’s own pledges now appearing hollow, Americans may well conclude that Starmer’s words were nothing more than empty rhetoric from a leader whose actions do not match his promises.

 

Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-09-06

 

 

 

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[thaibeachlovers]

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

his disdain for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,

Apparently Lammy has the same opinion of him as hundreds of thousands of israelis.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/12/israel-protest-gaza-hostages-netanyahu

 

In a recent poll in Ma’ariv newspaper, more than half of respondents said Netanyahu, who could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted in ongoing corruption trials, had prioritised his own political survival over the fate of the hostages.

[Red Forever]

Trump is a "neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath" so Mr Lammy was correct.

Further, Netanyahu is hated by many Israelis.

This article is just more right wing drivel from the Torygraph.

[Chomper Higgot]

Before reading the article, I thought to myself.

 

’I bet this is about the UK withdrawing export licenses for arms to Israel’/ ‘Withdrawl of the objections to the ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu ’

 

The Telegraph did not disappoint.

 

 

 

 

[JonnyF]

Labour has long been full of anti-semites.

 

The fact that they are withdrawing support from Israel is no shock, I'm only surprised that it took them so long.

 

Lammy is a buffoon. A dangerous buffoon. 

[JonnyF]

1 minute ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Before reading the article, I thought to myself.

 

’I bet this is about the UK withdrawing export licenses for arms to Israel’/ ‘Withdrawl of the objections to the ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu ’

 

The Telegraph did not disappoint.

 

 

 

 

 

Wow. You must be some type of genius to have worked that out from the title.

 

I thought it was going to be a weather forecast for Outer Mongolia. 

[Chomper Higgot]

1 minute ago, JonnyF said:

 

Wow. You must be some type of genius to have worked that out from the title.

 

I thought it was going to be a weather forecast for Outer Mongolia. 

Oh!

[Bkk Brian]

3 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Apparently Lammy has the same opinion of him as hundreds of thousands of israelis.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/12/israel-protest-gaza-hostages-netanyahu

 

In a recent poll in Ma’ariv newspaper, more than half of respondents said Netanyahu, who could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted in ongoing corruption trials, had prioritised his own political survival over the fate of the hostages.

You missed this poll then.................

 

JNS poll: Majority of Israelis back Netanyahu on Philadelphi, oppose protests

An overwhelming majority of Israelis support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s negotiation positions regarding a hostage deal with Hamas and oppose anti-government demonstrations in Tel Aviv demanding an immediate deal at any price, according to a new, in-depth JNS poll.

Netanyahu’s positions are supported not only by coalition-party voters, but also by approximately one third of voters for opposition parties, the survey found.

https://www.jns.org/jns-poll-majority-of-israelis-back-netanyahus-positions-on-philadelphi-corridor-oppose-protests/

[RichardColeman]

Guy is a true definition of Labour Idiot put in a job way to big for him

[Chomper Higgot]

The question is, does he have the backing of the British electorate?

 

The UK being a sovereign nation with a sovereign Government and all that.

[brewsterbudgen]

11 minutes ago, RichardColeman said:

Guy is a true definition of Labour Idiot put in a job way to big for him

 

Makes a change from the countless Tory idiots of the last 10+ years!  

 

[thaibeachlovers]

4 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

 

Makes a change from the countless Tory idiots of the last 10+ years!  

 

Difference between Lammy and Boris is that Boris was entertaining- Lammy is not entertaining at all.

[brewsterbudgen]

4 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Difference between Lammy and Boris is that Boris was entertaining- Lammy is not entertaining at all.

Yes, Lammy is no comedian!

[bradiston]

1 hour ago, Bkk Brian said:

You missed this poll then.................

 

JNS poll: Majority of Israelis back Netanyahu on Philadelphi, oppose protests

An overwhelming majority of Israelis support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s negotiation positions regarding a hostage deal with Hamas and oppose anti-government demonstrations in Tel Aviv demanding an immediate deal at any price, according to a new, in-depth JNS poll.

Netanyahu’s positions are supported not only by coalition-party voters, but also by approximately one third of voters for opposition parties, the survey found.

https://www.jns.org/jns-poll-majority-of-israelis-back-netanyahus-positions-on-philadelphi-corridor-oppose-protests/

Jns? It's a Jewish propaganda machine.

[Bkk Brian]

10 minutes ago, bradiston said:

Jns? It's a Jewish propaganda machine.

Its got the same credibility rating as the Guardian. Can you dispute its poll findings? What makes it a propoganda machine because its Jewish?

[JonnyF]

1 hour ago, RichardColeman said:

Guy is a true definition of Labour Idiot put in a job way to big for him

 

The guy went on Mastermind and thought Henry VII succeeded Henry VIII. 😄 He also thought Red Leicester was a blue cheese.

 

Perhaps an appearance on The Muppets would have been more appropriate. 

[JonnyF]

1 hour ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Yes, Lammy is no comedian!

 

He's funny, but not funny haha.

 

More of a "If I don't laugh I'll cry" kind of funny. 

[newbee2022]

6 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s recent actions have not only strained relations with Israel but have also managed to upset the United States, Britain's most crucial ally. Suspending certain arms export licenses to Israel has been seen as a glaring example of incompetence, and his handling of the situation signals that Lammy could be turning into a serious liability for the British government. 

 

Lammy’s conduct was already under scrutiny before Labour’s sweeping electoral victory, with speculation that Keir Starmer might choose a more reliable figure, like Douglas Alexander or Peter Mandelson, for the critical role of Foreign Secretary. Lammy’s previous comments, including calling former US President Donald Trump a “neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath,” his historical opposition to the UK’s nuclear deterrent, and his disdain for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggest that he might be damaging Britain’s global standing rather than enhancing it.

 

One of Lammy’s first acts as Foreign Secretary was to withdraw Britain’s objection to the International Criminal Court’s request for an arrest warrant against Netanyahu. This move led to Netanyahu refusing to meet Lammy during his recent visit to Jerusalem, further complicating relations. Britain and Israel share strategic ties, especially in countering major security threats like Iran’s nuclear program. By failing to oppose the potential criminal prosecution of an ally, Lammy’s actions are not just shortsighted; they jeopardize Britain’s own national security.

 

Starmer’s decision to retain Lammy in such a significant position could risk turning his administration into a laughing stock. This is particularly true given the backlash over Lammy’s suspension of certain arms exports to Israel, a move Netanyahu condemned as “shameful.” Although this decision will have minimal impact on Israel’s military capabilities due to the relatively modest nature of the UK-Israel arms trade, it still sends a troubling message.

 

 

What’s more concerning is the friction this has caused with the US. The Biden administration has openly disagreed with Britain’s justification for suspending arms licenses, noting that their review of Israel’s military conduct found no violations of international humanitarian law. Such disagreements with the US threaten the vital “special relationship” between the two nations, which is central to Britain’s national security. In the face of significant global threats like Iran and Russia, it’s crucial for close allies to present a united front; public disputes can be perceived as a sign of weakness by adversaries.

 

Lammy’s decision to act against Israel on the same day the nation mourned another attack by Iranian-backed terrorists sends the wrong signal, suggesting that the UK might not fully support Tel Aviv’s right to self-defense. This perceived indifference comes as Israel battles Iranian-backed forces on multiple fronts, including Gaza, southern Lebanon, and Yemen. At the same time, the UK’s commitment to Ukraine appears to be faltering. Although Ukrainian forces have recently seen success on the battlefield, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized Starmer for slowing down arms supplies to Kyiv, which the Kremlin could interpret as waning Western resolve.

 

The sense that Britain under Labour is retreating from its international commitments is reinforced by warnings that Starmer’s government does not intend to fulfill its promise to bolster the UK’s defense capabilities. During the election, Labour assured voters that defense spending would rise to at least 2.5% of GDP, but in reality, Defence Secretary John Healey has since indicated that the Ministry of Defence will face cuts under Labour’s new austerity measures. This shift could have serious implications for Britain’s standing among its allies.

 

Starmer’s credibility is now on the line, especially in Washington. In his first major international speech at NATO’s 75th anniversary celebrations, Starmer urged member states to meet the UK’s 2.5% defense spending target. Yet with Labour’s own pledges now appearing hollow, Americans may well conclude that Starmer’s words were nothing more than empty rhetoric from a leader whose actions do not match his promises.

 

Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-09-06

 

 

 

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Thank you Lammy!

I hope many other countries will follow your decisions.

UK is back on the right track. Stop arse licking the US 

[bradiston]

4 hours ago, Bkk Brian said:

Its got the same credibility rating as the Guardian. Can you dispute its poll findings? What makes it a propoganda machine because its Jewish?

Believe what you want.

[Bkk Brian]

17 minutes ago, bradiston said:

Believe what you want.

Deflection. Not surprising with your false claim

[BusyB]

7 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

 

Makes a change from the countless Tory idiots of the last 10+ years!  

 

 

Truly even Monty Python would never have dared push things as far as they did.